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"The Waupoos Foundation is a Christ-centred community integrating prayer, work, and play in our activities while providing vacations to families in need."
As one of the best kept secrets in South Ottawa, families who have no other opportunities for holidays and have children under the age of 16 have been welcomed to apply for a vacation at Waupoos Family Farm. Waupoos was founded in 1975 by Father Fred Magee when they took over the Oblate family farm on Waupoos Island, near Picton Ontario. Facilities were later expanded to include a farm located just outside of Ottawa on Rideau Road.
 Waupoos is a gorgeous 200 acre farm with 5 fully-equipped vacationing cottages, an inground pool, a basketball court, skating rink, playground, volleyball pit, forest trails, barn with small animals including several cats, bunnies, chickens/rooster, ducks and a pot-bellied pig. Our main lodge has a great meeting area with a large fully equipped kitchen and a games room that houses foosball, a pool table and ping-pong. Our on-site chapel provides a place for quiet reflection and is also used for community masses and prayer times.
Waupoos Farm is a registered charity offering vacations to families meeting government set low-income criteria. For 8 consecutive full weeks in the summer and 9 additional weekends during the school-year, Waupoos is often the only vacation getaway for families in need. During these vacations, dedicated volunteers and staff organize a full schedule of activities for our guests including swimming/lessons from a certified lifeguard, tractor/horse-drawn sleigh rides, arts and crafts, hikes, bonfires, chapel prayer times, games, sports as well as visits from Ray’s Reptiles. Over 7000 families have enjoyed a respite with us, and over 25,000 people have used our facilities.
 As one of the three resident families living on site who help maintain the farm and run activities, we have seen first-hand the kind of difference Waupoos has had in creating memorable moments and much-needed holidays for families in difficult life circumstances. We have seen how Christ has touched the hearts of children through this ministry while meeting their need for freedom to play outside until dusk (opportunities they would not otherwise have in their own neighbourhoods) while allowing parents a chance to relax and unwind knowing their children are in a safe and loving environment. We have also witnessed the blessing Waupoos has been for volunteers and staff, giving them the opportunity to share their gifts as well as Christ’s love and compassion for families.
This summer, all are invited to join us for our Saturday Open houses during the months of July and August starting at 1pm. Come for a swim and a wagon ride, celebrate a community mass at 4:30 and a potluck dinner followed by a bonfire at 8pm. It is always a great time of fellowship and a fantastic opportunity to learn about the ministry. We are still in need of 3 summer host families who will spend a week at the farm to help run activities for the cottagers. Hosts stay in cottage 7 for free and it is a unique way to serve the underprivileged as a family. Please contact the office if you are interested in this opportunity and we will send you an information package.
 To offset the costs of our ministry, we also offer rental opportunities for various groups and organizations including youth and school groups, church retreats and professional organization development days. Whether it is for a day rental or overnight stays, Waupoos has ideal facilities for your group that are just minutes from the city and airport.
If you would like to learn more about Waupoos Family Farm, its mission, ministry or facilities, or if you know of someone who might benefit from a vacation here or would like to volunteer, please contact our office or check out our website at www.waupoos.com for more information and application forms.
We hope you’ll join us!
2050 Rideau Rd. Gloucester, ON., K1X 1B1. Office (613-822-2189), contact@waupoos.com
In His Love,
Lee-Ann & Matias Garcia
Farm Resident Family
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